Five-Spice Chicken & Orange Salad

Description:

Five-spice powder is a Chinese seasoning shortcut combining multiple flavors in one convenient package. Tossed with orange juice and chicken, it makes a terrific salad with a complex, layered taste that belies the simple recipe.

Ingredients:

6 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1 teaspoon five-spice powder, (see Note)

1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, plus more to taste

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed

3 oranges

12 cups mixed Asian or salad greens

1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips

1/2 cup slivered red onion

3 tablespoons cider vinegar

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Preparation:

1

Preheat oven to 450°F. Combine 1 teaspoon oil, five-spice powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl. Rub the mixture into both sides of the chicken breasts.

2

Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large ovenproof nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts; cook until browned on one side, 3 to 5 minutes. Turn them over and transfer the pan to the oven. Roast until the chicken is just cooked through (an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 165°F), 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board; let rest for 5 minutes.

3

Meanwhile, peel and segment two of the oranges (see Tip), collecting segments and any juice in a large bowl. (Discard membranes, pith and skin.) Add the greens, bell pepper and onion to the bowl. Zest and juice the remaining orange. Place the zest and juice in a small bowl; whisk in vinegar, mustard, the remaining 4 teaspoons oil, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Pour the dressing over the salad; toss to combine. Slice the chicken and serve on the salad.

Tips:

Note: Often a blend of cinnamon, cloves, fennel seed, star anise and Szechuan peppercorns, five-spice powder was originally considered a cure-all miracle blend encompassing the five elements (sour, bitter, sweet, pungent, salty). Look for it in the supermarket spice section.Tip: To segment citrus: With a sharp knife, remove the skin and white pith from the fruit. Working over a bowl, cut the segments from their surrounding membranes. Squeeze juice into the bowl before discarding the membranes.